Litany: God Calls the Young


Here’s a beautiful litany about the call of God.

Prayer for the Calling of the Young

Adam called to walk with God
Joseph called to dream
Esther called to free the faithful
Samuel called to serve
Ruth called to find new faith
Jeremiah called to prophesy
David called to slay giants
Mary called bear God among us

In their youth
Their inexperience and their doubt
Uncertain, unsure
Of the future before them
They heard and followed
The call of God

Jesus
Called little ones to show the way to the kingdom
Called a teenager to feed the hungry
Called John into the desert ahead of him
Called fishermen to a new occupation
Called Nathanael to come and see a new way
Called a young man to rise from death
Called a 12 year old girl to get up and live
Called young women, despised, rejected to be in his company

In their youth
Their inexperience and their doubt
Uncertain, unsure
Of the future before them
They heard and followed
The call of Jesus

For Jesus saw and called out of them
Their optimism and imagination
Their courage and adaptability
Their hope and their idealism
Their courage and their sensitivity
Their wisdom and their faith

Now, even now, the Spirit calls the young
To stand up for their faith in the face of persecution
To take their talents and skills to places of danger
To raise their voices in songs of protest
To fan the fire of passionate ideals
To build communities of love and compassion
To teach the old to dream new dreams
To minister and serve for the sake of the Gospel

For in them are planted the seeds of new possibilities
The gifts for the years to come
The insights that will shape the future
The promises that all things will be made new

~ written by Rev Marjory McPherson posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Prayer of Confession: Faithful Stewards


Here’s a prayer of confession and commitment from Joanna Harader.  The first line is from 1 Peter 4: 10.

Prayer

Holy One,
We long to be faithful stewards of your abundant grace.
To serve each other in love and humility.
To serve your world with wisdom and energy.

Forgive us when we stumble over pride,
when our words and actions are not guided by love.
Turn our hearts when we act in folly.
Restore our energy when it is gone.

Sometimes, many times, O God, our efforts fail.
But your abundant grace is strong and eternal,
And forgiveness is ours through Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.

~ written by Joanna Harader, and posted on the Spacious Faith blog. http://spaciousfaith.com/

Prayer about Cities


Here’s a prayer about cities from Michael Saward. 

Prayer

“And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven….” Revelation 21:2

Architect and builder of the heavenly city yet to come,
look in judgment on the cities of the world,
where greed forces many to live in squalor and filth;
where indifference condemns many to live alone and unwanted;
where lust tempts many to use others callously,
thoughtlessly and heartlessly;
where hate drives many to crowd together for protection
because their skin, their race or their belief
is unpopular or unwanted.
Look in mercy on those who suffer at the hands of their fellows,
and teach us all that in Christ we can find the power to live
generously, compassionately and lovingly,
that cities of the world may become true reflections
of the city of God;
for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

~ written by Michael Saward, and posted on Jubilate Hymns.  http://www.jubilate.co.uk/

Triune Blessing


Here’s a blessing/benediction from the Patmos Abbey website.

Benediction

May the God of creation breathe on you,
May the God of all life sustain you,
May the God of all gods grant you forgiveness.

Go into the day
knowing your life has been touched by the triune God
You are cleansed by the mercy of God
You are surrounded by the love of Christ
You are filled with the power of the Spirit
Amen

— from the website of Patmos Abbey—The Order of Saint Columba. http://www.patmosabbey.org/  To see the entire liturgy for Morning Prayer, click here. http://www.patmosabbey.org/morning-and-evening-prayer-for-lent.html

Call to Worship: Revelation 1: 4-8


Here’s a call to worship based on Revelation 1: 4-8.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Call to Worship
(based on Revelation 1: 4-8)

Grace to you and peace,
from the Alpha and Omega, the A and the Z,
who is, and who was, and who is to come;
from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead,

To Christ who loves us and liberates us by his blood,
and makes us priests of his God and Father,
Be glory, and dominion, forever and ever!
Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Prayer: Daring to Believe


Here’s a prayer inspired by John 20: 24-29, the story of Thomas’s encounter with Jesus after the resurrection.  It comes from the Christian Aid website.

Prayer

“You believe because you have seen me.
Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway. John 20:29

Jesus,
We dare to believe in the things we cannot see:
In your love for us
In your love for those around us
In the hope of eternity.
We dare to believe that another world is possible
That suffering can end
That we can play a part
In the kingdom to come.
We dare to believe in heaven on earth
In the light breaking through
In justice made new
In your love for us.

— posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website.  http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Call to Worship: Worthy is the Lamb!


Here’s a call to worship from Revelation 5: 12-13.

Call to Worship
(based on Revelation 5: 12-13)

Worthy is the Lamb—the Lamb who was killed.
He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.

Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the One sitting on the throne,
and to Lamb forever and ever!

Call to Worship: Revelation 5: 11-14


Here’s a call to worship litany based on Revelation 5: 11-14.  

Call to Worship
(based on Revelation 5: 11-14)

Then I looked,
and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders
the voice of many angels,
numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom
and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
And the four living creatures said, "Amen!"
and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Call to Worship: Easter Year C


Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by the suggested scripture texts for the season of Easter, Year C (John 20-21).  It comes from Mennonite Church Canada.

Call to Worship
(inspired by John 20, John 21)

We are here today because the weeping Mary of Magdala once said:
“I have seen the Lord!”

We are here because Jesus still comes into our locked spaces and says:
“Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit.”

We are here today like doubting Thomas who finally cried:
“My Lord and my God.”

We are here like Peter, tempted to forget the call of Jesus:
“I’m going fishing.”

We’re here this morning because of Jesus, who asks us face-to-face:
“Do you truly love me?”

We gather here to whisper timidly.
“Yes, Lord, you know that we love you.”

We are here as a congregation only
because many faithful disciples have listened to Jesus’ words:
“Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid!
Go and tell, ‘Jesus has been raised!”

~ from the Mennonite Church Canada website.

Prayers of the People: The Good Shepherd


Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter.  It was written by Fr. Jeremiah Williamson.

Prayers of the People for Easter 4

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd of your people.  
Hear the cry of your flock as we pray, 
“Good Shepherd, Receive our prayer.”

Good Shepherd, you call us to follow where you lead.  
Give us ears to hear and know your voice.  
And give us the courage and strength
to lay down our lives for one another,
as even you laid down your life for us.

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

Good Shepherd,
gather to yourself the people of the world
so there will be one flock under your reign.  
Forgive us for our hatred and divisions.     

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

Good Shepherd,
you have blessed us with green pastures and still waters—
places in your world where we find rest and renewal.  
We thank you for the beauty of the earth. 

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

Good Shepherd,
even when wolves attack, you never leave your loved ones;
even in the valley of the shadow of death, you are present.  
Be with all victims of violence.  
Comfort them in their distress.

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

Good Shepherd,
you love us so much that you call us each by name:
We pray for the healing of our brothers and sisters in your name.

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you are our salvation.  
Grant all who have died a dwelling place in your house forever.

Silence

Good Shepherd,
Receive our prayer.

~ written by Fr. Jeremiah Williamson, and posted on Praying the Scriptures. http://jeremiahwilliamson.blogspot.ca/

Prayers of the People: Easter 4


Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter.  It was written by Rev. Terri Pilarski.

Prayers of the People: Easter 4
(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)

Holy and Gracious God,
you call us by name,
Beloved One,
and beckon us to follow you.
May we do so through your grace.

In your Name we pray,
Hear our prayer.

Like a shepherd tending the flock
you tend to our needs.
Be present with those who struggle, suffer,
are in pain or sorrow.
Guide those who are lost, or filled with worry and fear.
Protect those who are in harm’s way
heal those who are ill,
mend those who are broken, 
as only your love can.

God of peace, watch over those who lead us
in our various governments and churches.
Fill our leaders with wisdom, patience, insight, and mercy.
Help them to lead with kindness and strength.

God of love,
fill our hearts with the knowledge of You
that we can turn from the distractions of life
and be more like You.
May we be agents of your compassion,
offering kindness to those we meet this day.

God of all blessings,
we thank you for all the gifts of life.
For your Son, our Savior, our great Good Shepherd,
the one who stands at the gate
of all life's challenges and joys,
calling out to us in love.
Naming us, Beloved.

For all this, and more we pray.
Amen.

~ written by the Rev. Terri C. Pilarski and posted on WordsMatter.
http://expansivelanguage.blogspot.ca/

Prayer to the Shepherd


Here’s a prayer inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter.  It was written by Rev. Abi.

Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)

Lord,
We who live in a world of cities, tall buildings,
one way streets, suburbs, and gated communities
don’t necessarily know what sheep are like
or what shepherding entails.
Sometimes we do feel like sheep in our world
being herded by the dos and don’ts,
oughts and ought naughts, media,
voices we don’t even recognize.
Sometimes the din of the voices gets so loud
we can’t even recognize our own voice.
Calm and quieten our hearts, our minds and our souls
to that one small voice; yours.
And in hearing your voice we hear our own voices
that we sing your song of grace to one another. Amen.

~ written by Rev Abi, and posted on Rev Abi’s Long and Winding Road blog. http://vicarofwadley.blogspot.ca/

Call to Worship: Revelation 7: 9-12


Here’s a call to worship from Revelation 7: 9-12.

Call to Worship
(based on Revelation 7: 9-12)

And I looked,
and there was a great crowd that no one could number.
They were from every nation, tribe, people and language.
They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
And they cried out with a loud voice:
Victory belongs to our God who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb!
And the angels fell facedown before the throne
and worshipped God, saying:
Amen!
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving
and honour and power and might
be to our God forever and ever.  Amen!

Call to Worship: John 21: 15-19


Here’s a responsive call to worship (or litany of commitment) based on Jesus’s question to Peter in John 21: 15-19.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Call to Worship
(based on John 21: 15-19)

Children of God, do you love the God
who hovered over the face of the deep and called the worlds into being?
Yes, you know that we do.
Then feed God's children.

Children of God, do you love the God
who was revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ?
Yes, you know that we do.
Then take care of God's children.

Children of God, do you love the God
who breathes new life into us even as we gather this day?
Yes, you know that we do.
Then feed God's children.

Based on John 21:15-19. Written for Evangelical United Church of Christ, 1998. Copyright Katherine Hawker. Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

Responsive Prayer: John 21: 1-19


Here’s a thoughtful prayer litany based on John 21: 1-19.  It was written by Rev. Nathan Decker.

Prayer
(inspired by John 21: 1-19)

Lord, save us from ourselves.
We continue to do the same things over and over,
expecting different results.
Lord, save us from doing too much.
We go fishing every day,
not noticing you waiting with a meal on the beach. 
Lord, save us from doing too little.
We say we love you,
and yet so often we neglect your sheep.
Lord, save us from ourselves.
Help us to hear and respond when you say, "Follow Me."

~ written by Rev. Nathan Decker. Posted on the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Discipleship website. http://www.gbod.org/

Call to Worship: Psalm 30


Here’s a call to worship based on Psalm 30.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 30)

You have turned our mourning into dancing!
You have taken away our funeral clothes
and re-clothed us in joy,
so that our whole being—body, mind and soul—
might sing praise to you and not be silent.
O Lord, our Lord, we will give thanks to you forever!

Readers' Theatre: Acts 9: 1-20


Here is a readers’ theatre setting of Acts 9: 1-20, the conversion of the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. It is set for four voices.

Readers’ Theatre: Acts 9: 1-20
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Narr:     Saul was uttering threats with every breath
and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.
So he went to the high priest. 
He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus,
asking for their cooperation
in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there.
He wanted to bring them—both men and women—
back to Jerusalem in chains.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission,
a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 

Lord:    Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

Saul:     Who are you, lord?

Lord:    I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!
 Now get up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do.”

Narr:     The men with Saul stood speechless,
for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one!  
Saul picked himself up off the ground,
but when he opened his eyes he was blind.
So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.  
He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias.
The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, 

Lord:    Ananias!

Ananias: Yes, Lord!

Lord:    Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas.
When you get there,
ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul.
He is praying to me right now.
I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in
and laying hands on him so he can see again.

Ananias: But Lord, I’ve heard many people talk
about the terrible things this man has done
to the believers in Jerusalem! 
And he is authorized by the leading priests
to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

Lord:    Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument
to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings,
as well as to the people of Israel. 
And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Narr:     So Ananias went and found Saul.
He laid his hands on him and said,

Ananias: Brother Saul,
the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road,
has sent me so that you might regain your sight
and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Narr:     Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes,
and he regained his sight.
Then he got up and was baptized.  
Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 
And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues,
saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!

Call to Worship Litany: Easter 3 C


Here’s a call to worship litany based on the suggested scripture readings for Easter 3 C.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 30, Revelation 5: 11-14)

The joy of the living Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

The Lord has lifted up our soul from dark caverns of death,
and has restored our life from the deep pit of despair.
God has turned our weeping into dancing,
and has removed the rags of sorrow
and clothed us with happiness.

To the One who sits upon the throne
and to the Lamb of God,
be blessing and honour, and glory and might,
for ever and ever.
Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Call to Worship: Revelation 5: 12-14


Here’s a call to worship based on Revelation 5.

Call to Worship
(based on Revelation 5: 12-14)

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength
and honour and glory and blessing!

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be to the One seated on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever!

Prayer: John 21: 1-19


God of victory over death,
your Son revealed himself again and again,
and convinced his followers of his glorious resurrection.
Grant that we may know his risen presence,
in love obediently feed his sheep,
and care for the lambs of his flock,
until we join the hosts of heaven in worshiping you and praising him
who is worthy of blessing and honor,
glory and power, for ever and ever. Amen.

~ from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Call to Worship Litany: Psalm 30

Here’s a combination call to worship/opening prayer litany based on Psalm 30.  It was written by Jeff Shrowder.

Litany
(based on Psalm 30)

Sing praises to the LORD,
and give thanks to God’s holy name
for the LORD our God has healed us
when we cried for help
and restored us
in times of deepest despair.
The LORD has turned our sorrow into dancing;
taken our sackcloth from us,and clothed us with joy.
Sing to the LORD without end,
and give thanks to the LORD for ever. 

Eternal and ever present God,
sustain and excite our gathered community;
arouse our expectancy;
subdue our expectations.
Come, silent Spirit, and embrace us.
Let the words we see and hear and speak and sing
be transformed by the Word made flesh,
that our worship may be wholly yours, Lord God.
We pray in the name of the risen Christ. Amen

~ posted on The Billabong website. http://thebillabong.info/ For use in worship, with acknowledgement. © Jeff Shrowder 2000.

Benediction: Easter 3 C


Here’s a closing commission and benediction inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the third Sunday of Easter, Year C.  It was written by Nathan Nettleton.

Commission & Benediction

Go now and follow the risen Christ.
Love God and nourish the faith of God’s little ones.
Make Christ known to all people
for God has chosen you as an instrument
to lead others into the way of mercy and love.

And may God change your anguish into a joyful dance;
May Christ Jesus lead you from betrayal to mission;
And may the Holy Spirit fill you
...with light and love and purpose.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
...In the name of Christ. Amen.

~ Copyright © 2001 Nathan Nettleton 
LaughingBird.net

Words of Assurance: Psalm 30: 4-5


Sing praises to God,
all you who are faithful to the Lord!
Pour out your hearts to God with praise and melody;
let grateful songs of thanksgiving fill the air!
For his anger is fleeting,
but his grace lasts a lifetime.

Words of Assurance: Psalm 30: 11-12


You have turned our mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away our clothes of mourning
and clothed us with joy.
So we will not be silent, but will sing praises to You.
God, you are our God,
and we will give you thanks forever.

Readers' Theatre: John 21: 1-19


Here is a readers’ theatre setting of John 21: 1-19, where the resurrected Jesus appears to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.

Readers’ Theatre: John 21: 1-19

Narr:     Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. 
Several of the disciples were there—
Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),
Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,
the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said,

Peter:   I’m going fishing.

Narr:     We’ll come, too,” the other disciples said.
So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach,
but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 
He called out,

Jesus:  Friends, have you caught any fish?

Peter:   No, none at all.

Jesus: Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat,
and you’ll get some!

Narr:     So they did,
and they couldn’t haul in the net
because there were so many fish in it.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,
he put on his tunic, jumped into the water, and headed to shore.
The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore,
for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 
When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—
fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

Jesus:  Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.

Narr:     So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore.
There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

Jesus:  Now come and have some breakfast!

Narr:     None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?”
They knew it was the Lord. 
Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 
This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples
since he had been raised from the dead.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, 

Jesus:  Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?

Peter:   Yes, Lord, you know I love you.

Jesus:  Then feed my lambs.
           
Narr:     Jesus repeated the question:

Jesus:  Simon son of John, do you love me?

Peter:   Yes, Lord, you know I love you.

Jesus:  Then take care of my sheep,

Narr:     A third time he asked him, 

Jesus:  Simon son of John, do you love me?

Narr:     Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time.

Peter:   Lord, you know everything.
You know that I love you.

Jesus:  Then feed my sheep.
I tell you the truth,
when you were young, you were able to do as you liked;
you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go.
But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go. 

Narr:     Jesus said this to let him know
by what kind of death he would glorify God.
Then Jesus told him, 

Jesus:  Follow me.